There can be many obstacles to the act of listening generously. Some of these are distractions caused by our hyper-connected world, or the numbing comfort of our routines, that take us away from the present.

When we aren’t present in a moment, we fail to reach deeply into ourselves and to others. Generous Listening expects us to be absorbed in the conversation by committing to the here and now and by distancing our minds from the incessant interruptions of a hyper-connected world.

Another barrier to generous listening is our tendency to express ourselves rather than understand another, or an urge to “fix” issues rather than listen to them. The ‘generosity’ element of Generous Listening also demands that we leave our comfort zones, suspend limiting habits, social platitudes and self-definitions to create the liberating promise of an engaged, yet non-judgmental space.

One needs to ask oneself the simple question of, “What is my intention in wanting to listen?” Is my intention to really hear the other? Or do I also intend to reconfirm my own position? Am I hoping to be proven right? Am I sincerely curious about what I will hear, or will my presumptions overrule my curiosity? Am I open to hearing the unknown, to things that will come as surprise?

Do I have strong judgement about what I might be hearing? This state of mind requires personal and emotional preparation. Along with the act of listening, there may be times when one gets caught in their opinions or judgements. In those cases, it is critical that one has self-realization and goes back to where he/she has anchored his intention.

The first and foremost important step for 'generously listening to the other' is setting the 'intention to sincerely hear the other' even before engaging in the act of listening.

The liberating practice of Generous Listening not only frees and deepens the connection with the other but can also pave the way for deeper self-awareness and transformation in ourselves. As we slow the pace of life and open our minds and souls to the vulnerable existence of the other, we start hearing the henceforth hushed whispers in our own selves.

Listening generously to the other gently also unlocks the gateway to Generous Listening within. Generous Listening to the other is not a trivial effort. The ability to listen generously is a muscle that gets sturdier with practice. As we practise, we’ll get better at it. And when Generous Listening becomes an automatic part of our social existence, we anticipate the emergence of less anxious societies.